Heath Ledger's love of chess set in stone along Perth's Swan River

Melbourne, Feb 19 (ANI): Late Aussie actor Heath Ledger's love of chess has been set in stone at a park on Perth's Swan River, where he played as a child.

In memory of the actor, his family gave the City of Melville, in Perth's southern suburbs, a polished concrete and marble sculpture, comprising two chess boards and a yin and yang symbol.

As per Ledger's mother Sally Bell, the site at Heathcote Reserve, overlooking the Swan River, had been chosen because the actor had cared about the environment and spent much of his youth in the Applecross area.

"He truly loved it there," News.com.au quoted her as saying.

"As far as the artwork is concerned, we feel it is in no way offensive to anyone and blends harmoniously into the surrounding environment.

"As for the chess theme, not many people know that Heath was passionate about chess and was close to becoming a Grand Master," she added.

Sculptor Ron Gombac said the yin and yang design reflected Ledger's spiritual beliefs, and now visitors to the site can also use the sculpture to play chess as they take in views of the river and city.

The actor's father Kim Ledger feels that friends and family now had a place to visit that was imbued with his presence.

"People who visit the site can remember him by using and enjoying the tables, as he would want them to," he said.

"We didn't choose anything elaborate as Heath wouldn't have liked that.

"He liked subtlety and was very laidback but extremely aware of who he was," he added. (ANI)